Do I have a shot?

In order to have a legitimate shot at scoring a commercial account, do you have to offer full service(mowing, bushes, mulch, fertilization, snow removal)? My only concern is fertilization seeing as I don't have the license to do so.

in my opinion, yes. it has been my experience that commercial accounts are more receptive to FULL SERVICE companies. that won't prevent you from getting clients, however it may limit the number you are able to estimate. good luck.

Yes, like the other guys said you can always sub out the other services you don't provide. I did very little ferts (only for friends and just to be nice.) I didn't see the profit in it unless you did a ton of them and that wasn't what I wanted to do. Many times I convinced clients that they were much better off using a company that specialied in it and refer them to another company. Don't forget to talk to the other companies and set up a referal agreement So you get a cut of the deal. I usually got between 10 and 15%, hey it isn't much but it's easy money.

In my state, you need a license for fert and pesticide. You have to take a test for the pesticide license but not for the fert. You can get a fert only license pretty easy. Just send in the app, but the DOA told me you MUST have the fert license to apply fert. I find the fert license handy for lawn repairs and aerations. Don't want to do the pesticide. Too much hassle and liability.